An LDD model of a Caterpillar D9-class dozer being transported on detachable gooseneck trailer.

About this creation

This is an LDD model of a Kenworth tractor pulling a detachable gooseneck low-loader trailer carrying a Caterpillar D9-class dozer (actually, I am still working on the "detachable" part -- mine is permanently connected as it stands now).

I was hoping to do a D10 or D11 class dozer, but at this scale, the treads of a D10/D11 would be almost exacly 1.5 studs wide. Neither a single row nor a double row of chain links looked quite right. Fortunately, a scaled version of a D9 has treads that are just slighly wider than one stud, so it was a natural fit.

Strictly speacking, the dozer is about 6.5 studs wide at its widest point (i.e "width over trunnions"), but the scale is compatible with other 4-wide vehicles (1 stud ~= 2 feet). My D9 is a little bit too large given the scale, particularly in the vertical dimension, but there was only so much I could do without seriously compromising the structural integrity of the dozer. The rear is a little ugly too, but at least it is partially covered by the ripper.

I was going to put the dozer on my 13-axle transport, but I realized that a D9 is light enough to be carried on a normal heavy-duty low-loader, so I decided I'd take the opportunity to build another trailer.

This model is now part of a Cuusoo idea. Consider supporting it if you like it.

Here are some close-ups of the dozer itself. I tried to do a reasonably good job of modeling the hydraulics controlling the blade and the ripper, but a few compromises had to be made (e.g. the hydraulic ram controlling the ripper elevation is absent -- I just couldn't fit it in at this scalie).

Quoting Scott Bertaut
Amazing dozer and a great truck to haul it around with. I remember commenting on a few of your trucks a couple years ago, they were great, but this is even better then those were! Good job on the truck, the bulldozer really steals the show though, good work getting the hydraulics in on something this small. Epic Work!

Thanks. This dozer definitely came out as well as I could have hoped. I wasn't sure myself whether I'd be able to get all of the hydraulics in, but things slowly came together as I worked on it. Construction vehicles are a subject that still has my interest, so I expect that I will eventually build a few more at this scale. I figure I'd at least need to do an excavator, a front loader, and an articulated hauler to make it a reasonable set, and I'd probably also want a motor grader and roller.

Amazing dozer and a great truck to haul it around with. I remember commenting on a few of your trucks a couple years ago, they were great, but this is even better then those were! Good job on the truck, the bulldozer really steals the show though, good work getting the hydraulics in on something this small. Epic Work!

Thanks for compliments everyone! I already have a plan for my next "4-wide" project. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag yet, since I'm still not 100% certain that I can solve the structural issues. I'll say this, though: It is something that has rarely been modeled in LEGO, and, to the best of my knowledge, never at a scale this small.